Tyler Brooks
Julius O. Randahl was a Swedish silversmith who founded the Randahl Shop, which produced a range of silver items, including candle snuffers. The shop operated for several decades, and its output changed over time. The early years of the Randahl Shop were heavily influenced by the Kalo Shop, where Randahl previously worked, and the shop's focus later shifted to national distribution and mechanization. The shop changed hands several times, eventually being sold to Reed & Barton in 1965. The Randahl candle snuffers were made during this long history of the shop and are now considered antiques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Randahl |
| Composition | Sterling Silver |
| Type | Candle Snuffer |
| Style | Arts & Crafts/Mission Style |
| Age | 1900-1940 |
| Length | 91/4" |
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$52.27
What You'll Learn
Randahl Shop history
The Randahl Shop was founded by Julius O. Randahl, a Swedish silversmith who worked at the Kalo Shop from 1907 to 1910. During these years, Kalo was growing quickly and producing some of its best work. After leaving Kalo, Randahl partnered with another ex-Kalo silversmith, Matthias Hanck, to form a shop called Julmat, which lasted only a year. Following the closure of this short-lived venture, Randahl established the Randahl Shop, likely inspired by the Kalo model. However, Randahl adopted a different sales approach by selling his holloware through department stores and jewellery shops, rather than solely through his storefront.
In its early years, the Randahl Shop focused on creating objects like trays, bowls, and pitchers, which often resembled Kalo designs. The shop closed during World War I, and when Randahl reopened it, he introduced mechanization. While some pieces were still crafted by hand, the shop was no longer a pure handwrought operation like Kalo. Randahl organised national distribution for his products and soon had 15 to 20 workers producing holloware.
The Randahl Shop survived the Depression years, although Randahl had to mortgage his home. The business continued to prosper into the 1950s, when Randahl, now working with his sons as the Randahl Company, acquired Cellini Craft, an Evanston, IL silversmith established in 1914. Unfortunately, the quality of the shop's work suffered during this time, as many pieces were mass-produced for sale through the shop's far-flung distribution network. These pieces were often lighter gauge silver, spun rather than hammered, and lacked the distinctiveness of earlier designs.
Finally, in 1965, the Randahl Company was sold to Reed & Barton, marking the end of an era for this renowned silversmithing business. Despite fluctuations in quality over the years, the Randahl Shop left a legacy of craftsmanship, with its sterling silver candle snuffers and other holloware pieces still sought-after by collectors today.
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Sterling silver candle snuffer design
The Randahl Shop was founded by Swedish silversmith Julius O. Randahl, who worked at the Kalo Shop from 1907 to 1910 before branching out on his own. The shop's early pieces, including candle snuffers, were marked with Randahl's initials JOR, along with the words "HAND WROUGHT". Over time, the shop's designs began to emulate Scandinavian designers like Georg Jensen, with a distinct Danish taste. While the quality of some pieces declined, likely due to mass production, Randahl continued to produce some quality work.
Sterling silver candle snuffers by Randahl feature a twist handle design and are marked with the Randahl name and composition, indicating their sterling silver material. These candle snuffers measure 9 1/4 inches in length and are considered antiques, dating from 1900 to 1940.
In terms of broader design trends, candle snuffers can be found in a variety of styles, from the 18th century to the present day. Some popular styles include Georgian and Modern designs. Sterling silver candle snuffers are often elegant and classic in design, offering a practical and stylish way to extinguish candles. They can feature swivel heads and come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 9 inches in length.
Candle snuffers can also be found in different shapes, such as bell-shaped domes or those with wooden handles. Some candle snuffers are part of a larger set that includes a tray, scissors, or a lighter and match holder. These additional pieces can be made of silver or wood and often complement the design of the candle snuffer itself.
Overall, sterling silver candle snuffers, including those by Randahl, showcase a range of designs, from classic and elegant to more modern and Scandinavian-influenced styles. The length, shape, and additional features of the candle snuffer can vary, providing a variety of options for consumers.
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Similar products from other brands
Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. has a sterling silver candle snuffer called the Padova. They also offer a pair of nut or trinket dishes, and a vintage sterling silver Rococo candle holder.
Georgian designers
A popular choice is the William Plummer 1780s Georgian sterling silver candle snuffer, which comes with a pen tray.
Gerald Benney
Gerald Benney offers a sterling silver candle snuffer with a Millennium Hallmark.
Georg Jensen
The Vintage Georg Jensen Acorn candle snuffer is a great choice if you're looking for something in excellent condition.
Hector Aguilar
Hector Aguilar of Taxco, Mexico, offers a handmade .940 silver candle snuffer.
William Eaton
For something a little different, William Eaton has a George III snuffer tray and scissors set, made in London in 1818.
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Randahl's career
Julius O. Randahl was a Swedish silversmith who worked at the Kalo Shop from 1907 to 1910. This was during the important Park Ridge years when Kalo was growing and creating some of its best work. After leaving Kalo, Randahl partnered with another ex-Kalo silversmith, Matthias Hanck, to form a shop called Julmat, which lasted just one year. Randahl then founded the Randahl Shop, inspired by the Kalo model, but with one key difference: Randahl sold his holloware through department stores and jewellery shops, in addition to his storefront.
The Randahl Shop closed during World War I, and when it reopened, Randahl introduced mechanization. While some work was still done by hand, the shop was no longer a pure handwrought operation like Kalo. Randahl arranged for national distribution, and soon had 15-20 workers producing his holloware. The shop thrived and survived the Depression years, and continued to prosper into the 1950s. During this time, Randahl, now in business with his sons as the Randahl Company, acquired Cellini Craft, an Evanston, IL silversmith dating back to 1914.
In its early years, the Randahl Shop focused on producing objects like trays, bowls, and pitchers, which were often similar to Kalo designs. Over time, Randahl began emulating Scandinavian designers like Georg Jensen, and much of his work took on a distinct Danish taste. This shift resulted in a decline in quality, with many pieces being lighter gauge silver, spun rather than hammered, and pedestrian in design. However, some quality work continued to be produced.
Finally, in 1965, the business was sold to Reed & Barton, marking the end of an era for the Randahl Shop.
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Other antique candle snuffers
Candle snuffers were common household items in the late 15th century, as candle wicks needed to be trimmed regularly to prevent large, uncontrolled flames. However, with the invention of the first 'snuffless' candle in 1820, candle snuffers became obsolete.
Georgian-Style Austrian Silver Candle Snuffer
This candle snuffer is made in the Georgian style and is marked '.800' for silver content. It features a hinged design with a flower-head mount and a flat vertical blade. It measures 6.5 inches in height, 2.25 inches in width, and 1.63 inches in depth.
Victorian Silver Candle Snuffer with Tray
This two-part candle snuffer dates back to the late 19th century during the Victorian era. The snuffer shears are made of sterling silver. It measures 2 inches in height, 7 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth.
Antique American Silver Plate Candle Snuffer, Lighter, and Match Holder
This rare antique candle snuffer set is an American silver-plated piece from around 1910. It includes a candle snuffer, a lighter, and a matchbox holder. It measures 1.5 inches in height, 9 inches in width, and 1 inch in depth.
European Scissor Snuffer
This type of candle snuffer was made in Europe between 1650 and 1700. It consists of a box mounted on a scissor-like blade. The other blade is fixed to a plate that fits inside the box. When closed over the wick, the candle is snuffed out, and the wick is cut into the box. The pointed end of the blade is used to lift and trim the wick.
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Frequently asked questions
The Randahl Shop was founded by Julius O. Randahl, a Swedish silversmith who worked at the Kalo Shop from 1907 to 1910.
The shop sold holloware through department stores and jewellery shops, rather than just from its storefront.
The shop closed during World War I. When Randahl re-opened it, he introduced mechanization.
The shop made a range of products, including trays, bowls, and pitchers, jewellery, and candle snuffers.
